Perhaps the biggest contrast between Tim Behm and Tyrone Grandstrand, candidates for the Ward 2 Grand Forks City Council seat, is their take on the relationship between UND students and homeowners in Ward 2 and what ought to be done to improve it.
Behm said they're a problem and homeowners felt there was a "lack of respect" for them from students renting neighboring homes. He said he would encourage homeownership in the neighborhood, if elected, to help rejuvenate it.
Grandstrand didn't dispute that friction exists, but he said encouraging neighbors to get to know one another would improve understanding and lead to mutual respect. He said he doesn't think it's the role of government to try to affect the housing market.
The two, who are in the only contested council race this year, faced off at a forum organized by the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday at City Hall.
Other candidates, incumbent Hal Gershman in Ward 4 and unchallenged candidate Dana Sande in Ward 6 were also present. Incumbent Art Bakken isn't running again.
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The differences between Behm and Grandstrand may partially be explained by the different demographics to which they belong. While both are homeowners -- Grandstrand just bought a house with his wife, Becca -- Grandstrand's also a student and former student body president.
Behm, 41 and a father of two, would be, as he said, one of the youngest council members if elected, while Grandstrand, 24, would actually be the youngest.
Here's how the two answered some of questions presented to them by Chamber moderators.
They were asked how they would deal with the slight budget shortfall the city faces next year.
Behm, who mentioned his experience dealing with budgets as a restaurant manager, said he'd have to go through the budget to decide what cuts are needed, though he suggested bringing new businesses to town and creating events that draw more people to town to increase revenue.
Grandstrand said he worked hard as student body president to find cuts and said he's found success in finding cheaper alternatives to existing vendors. He'd do the same at City Hall, he suggested.
They were asked how they would change city government if elected.
Grandstrand said he would get more information about government out to residents so they could offer more input to city leaders. He said he'd work to improve relations among residents, such as that between students and homeowners in Ward 2.
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Behm said he'd try to cut spending and cut taxes, get utilities to provide more wind energy and improve relations with Grand Forks Air Force Base.
They were asked if they thought the city ought to be more aggressive in attracting new businesses.
Grandstrand said attracting new businesses is important, but attracting young workers to staff those businesses is also important. Younger folks often complain that there's nothing to do, he said, and he would support the arts and other community events to change that perception.
Behm said he agreed attracting businesses is important but the city needs to focus on manufacturers and technology firms, not retail or services.
Reach Tran at (701) 780-1248; (800) 477-6572, ext. 248; or send e-mail to ttran@gfherald.com .
